Students
POIX308 – Australian Foreign Policy
2017 – S1 OUA
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
OUA Coordinator MHPIR
Matthew Bailey
Lorna Barrow
Convenor
Sandey Fitzgerald
|
|---|---|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit offers students an overview of the history of Australian foreign policy-making since Federation. Students also learn about broad trends that have characterised Australian foreign policy-making and will be equipped to understand foreign policy in a more analytical way. The unit also pays significant attention to Australia's current position in the global arena as a background to the making of foreign policy, and considers some of the dilemmas of policy making. Topics to discuss include security, war, whaling, climate change, refugees, the rise of China and the US alliance and the impact these have on policy-making.
All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
General Assessment Information
Prerequisites: You must complete Level 1 and 2 studies in Politics before starting this unit.
Please note that this unit was previously coded PLT350. You should not enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed PLT350.
Successful Completion of the Course
All assessment tasks must be attempted and an overall minimum pass mark of 50% must be achieved in order to successfully complete this course.
Assignment submission
This unit uses a combination of submission methods. Please check the individual assignment in the Assessments and Guides section of the course to find out which method that particular assignment uses.
iLearn Assignment Upload Procedure
Required and Recommended Weekly Readings
These are listed in the unit. Other than the set textbook, all required and most recommended readings can be found under the unit code in Unit Readings in the Macquarie Library or are available via weblinks in the unit.
Required Textbook:
Firth, Stewart 2011, Australia in International Politics: An Introduction to Australian Foreign Policy, 3rd edition, Sydney, Allen & Unwin.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Participation | 15% | No | weekly |
| Short Essay | 15% | No | Wednesday Week 6 |
| Research Essay | 30% | No | Wednesday Week 11 |
| Examination | 40% | No | 5pm Friday Week 13 |
Reflective Participation
Due: weekly
Weighting: 15%
Participation is made up of two components:
1. Participation in a Reading Game weekly, followed by:
2. Participation in weekly discussions
1. Reading Game (5%)
Each week students will be expected to play the Reading Game at least once. To do this, they must ask a question based on what they have been reading for the week, and provide one answer that they think is correct and 4-6 responses that they think are wrong or not quite correct. They must respond also to at least five questions from other students. The aim of the game is to encourage a questioning attitude towards the reading material in relation to foreign policy and raise questions for discussion in the forums. The game provides players with the opportunity to approve a question and/or to comment it. No prior knowledge of the game is required.
2. Discussions (10%)
In addition to the weekly questions provided as prompt to discussion, selected questions from the Reading Game will be used to further discussion amongst students on the issues raised by the course material.
Students must participate in a minimum of THREE weeks of discussion to pass the course. The course cannot be passed unless this requirement is met, even if high marks have been achieved in other components. Interaction with other students and the attempt to articulate responses to course material is known to significantly facilitate learning. To pass the assessment component itself, participation in EIGHT out of the twelve weeks' is required. All contributions must be made by 5pm Friday of Week 13.
Two weeks are allowed for this exercise - contributions after two weeks from the week in question will be accepted for meeting the minimum requirements of the tasks but may not receive additional marks and may receive a late penalty.
Assessment for each component will be made according to two criteria: participation and engagement.
Further information on how to go about this assessment are provided under Assessment 1 in the Assessments and Guides Section of the course.
This assessment is not optional. Students who expect to have difficulties meeting this assessment’s requirements because of disability or location should contact the tutor at the beginning of the course to discuss alternative arrangements.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Short Essay
Due: Wednesday Week 6
Weighting: 15%
All students are required to submit a short essay (1,200 words) by the end of Week 6. The essay question will be posted to Assessments and Guides in Week 2 of the course.
This is an analytical exercise, not a descriptive or research exercise. You will only need to research what you think you need to be able to explain your findings so that you can answer the question satisfactorily. Your focus should be on the primary documents that you are being asked to analyse. Secondary material can be used to help you understand or explain what you find, but should not substitute for a close and thoughtful reading of what is in the documents..
The essay must be fully referenced, using Harvard in-text referencing (i.e. no foot-note or end-note referencing), all quotations must be clearly indicated and a full Bibliography must be provided, even if the only sources cited are the documents.
Submission is through Turnitin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Research Essay
Due: Wednesday Week 11
Weighting: 30%
Research Essay (30%) 2500 words
All students are required to submit a research essay responding to one question from a list of topic questions posted to Assessments and Guides in week 4.
This is a research task. A minimum of 10 scholarly references should be used in the essay in addition to core course material. The essay should demonstrate that the student understands and can explain and utilise course theory and concepts, as well as conduct scholarly research and analysis, and can express a persuasive and well-supported argument based on their research findings.
Harvard style in-text referencing is required. No footnotes or endnotes for referencing purposes. A full bibliography is a requirement.
Submission is through Turnitin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Examination
Due: 5pm Friday Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Exam questions will be released Monday of Week 13. Exam papers must be submitted by 5pm EST on the Friday of Week 13.
Questions must be answered in relation to policy and demonstrate an understanding of course concepts and concerns.
The exam is non-invigilated. Books and course material may be used.
Submission is through Turnitin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Delivery and Resources
Unit webpage and technology used and required
Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
Please contact teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements.
Unit Schedule
Weekly schedule
|
Week 1 |
Introduction: Making Foreign Policy |
|
Week 2 |
Empire/ALP Tradition |
|
Week 3 |
Alliance/Liberal Tradition |
|
Week 4 |
Australia and Asia: The Rise of China |
|
Week 5 |
Refugees |
|
Week 6 |
International Trade |
|
Week 7 |
Defence |
|
Week 8 |
Near Neighbours and Regional Security |
|
Week 9 |
Human Rights/Humanitarian Intervention |
|
Week 10 |
Foreign Aid |
|
Week 11 |
Global Environment |
|
Week 12 |
Peacekeeping |
|
Week 13 |
Exam Week |
Policies and Procedures
Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Extension Request
Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)
The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.
You need to show that the circumstances:
- were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
- were beyond your control
- caused substantial disruption to your academic work
- substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
- lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.
If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:
- Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
- Fill in your relevant details
- Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
- Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process
Outcome
Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.
OUA Specific Policies and Procedures
Withdrawal from a unit after the census date
You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.
If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.
If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Assessment tasks
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
- Examination
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
- Examination
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
- Examination
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Assessment tasks
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
- Students will demonstrate abilities in communicating ideas, arguments and research findings in both informal and formal forms of writing
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Short Essay
- Research Essay
- Examination
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate the national and international forces that inform Australian foreign policy-making.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
- Students will have experience in researching, analysing and assessing policy in relation to outcomes
- Students will have practice in formulating questions oriented towards the course topics and be encouraged to take an inquiring attitude towards their reading
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Research Essay
- Examination
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will understand the different approaches of the major parties to foreign policy.
- Students will appreciate how diverse factors such as security, the economy, ideology, and culture help shape foreign policy.
- Students will have a basic grasp of the main issues involved in Australian foreign policy such as warfare, state sovereignty, the changing role of the military, human rights intervention, and globalisation.
Assessment tasks
- Reflective Participation
- Research Essay
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 16/02/2017 | added a convenor |